Gorgeous
George is truly the original showman of professional wrestling, and his
flamboyant theatrics have unquestionably forever changed the "sport" of
professional wrestling. During his heyday (which began in the late 1940's
and lasted through to the early 1960's, a more famous or controversial
entertainment figure could not be found. It has been said that during his
prime, George was even more well known than the President. He influenced
generations of future wrestlers -- from Buddy Rogers to Adrian Street,
"Superstar" Billy Graham to Ric Flair, "Adorable" Adrian Adonis to Goldust...even
Mohammed Ali, Little Richard, Liberace, and numerous other figures in both
sports and entertainment. One is hard pressed to think of a more influential
public figure, let alone a professional wrestler...

Gorgeous
George was born George Wagner in Seward, Nebraska and began his wrestling
career during his teens. He competed for over a decade simply as George
Wagner, with very little success. Physically unimposing at just 5'9 and
weighing only 215 pounds, Wagner was a plain, less than average wrestler.
But that would change as the resourceful Wagner, who contemplated giving
up on trying to make it as a wrestler, developed the gimmick that would
forever change both him and the "sport."

He
grew his hair out so it was long, could be curled and pinned back with
gold-plated bobby pins, and dyed it platinum blond. He wore elegant robes,
dubbed himself "The Human Orchid" and was always escorted by one of his
male ring valets (Geoffrey or Thomas Ross) who would spray his his corner
of the ring, as well as George's opponents, with disinfectant and perfume.
He was the originator of using entrance music, and was always accompanied
by his theme "Pomp And Circumstance"...which would again be used some 40
years later by Randy "Macho Man" Savage. Gorgeous George's ring entrances
were legendary, and often took nearly as long as his matches. The effeminate
grappler worked people into fits of laughter, curiosity, and outright rage
with his pageantry and theatrics. The consummate villain, George would
cheat at every possible opportunity, infuriating fans to the point of rioting
on several occasions. So riveted were they by George's theatrics, fans
would flock in droves to see him wrestle, and even more importantly, they
tuned-in in record numbers to watch Gorgeous George on the brand-new medium
of television.

In
a very real sense, Gorgeous George single-handedly established the unproven
new technology of television as a viable, entertaining new medium that
could reach literally millions homes all across the country. Pro wrestling
was TV's first real "hit" with the public -- the first programs that ever
drew any real numbers for the new technology, and Gorgeous George was was
directly responsible for all of the commotion. It was a turning point for
Wagner, wrestling, and the country itself. Gorgeous George was probably
responsible for selling more television sets in the early days of TV than
any other factor. There was once a well known saying that Frank Gotch may
have put wrestling on the map, but Gorgeous George brought it to the world...

George,
although a showman first and foremost, eventually became quite an accomplished
wrestler as well. On May 26,1950 he won the A.W.A. (Boston) World Heavyweight
title by defeating Don Eagle. He later lost the World Title to another
wrestling legend, Lou Thesz. Nearly 10 years later after losing the
AWA strap, he ended his remarkable career and retired from wrestling.

"Gorgeous"
George Wagner died in 1963. Although his legacy can be found everywhere
you look in the world of professional wrestling, we at The Ring Chronicle
believe this startlingly original performer and champion should once again
be honored as the innovative legend he truly was and is. Surely, without
Gorgeous George, the entire landscape of the wrestling business would be
radically different from what we know. Simply put, he changed the
"sport" forever. With that in mind, we are proud to induct Gorgeous
George into T.R.C.'s Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame...